- Seller: Mark C
- Location: Windham, Maine
- Mileage: 101,519 Shown
- Chassis #: 31669G145905
- Title Status: Clean
- Engine: 283 cui V8
- Transmission: Automatic 2-Speed
This 1963 Chevrolet Bel Air ticks many of the right boxes for enthusiasts seeking a project candidate. It is complete and features a healthy V8 under the hood, plus a range of new parts! While it needs the rest of the car restored, it runs and drives as is. It is ideal for a faithful restoration or could form the basis for a potent and practical weekend cruiser. The owner feels it deserves a new home with someone who can do it justice, listing the Bel Air with us at Barn Finds Auctions.
The seller believes he is this Bel Air’s second owner, although he cannot prove that beyond doubt. It looks slightly rough around the edges, having previously received a repaint in its original Ermine White. However, looking beyond that, there is plenty of good news. The panels have a few minor imperfections, and there is evidence of filler in the passenger-side rear door. Otherwise, there are no previous repairs or accident damage, and while there’s rust, it doesn’t appear to have any significant issues that will require breaking out the cutting torch and welder. For those preferring the straightforward approach, the underside of this classic is as rock-solid as the day it left the factory. He removed the glass and exterior trim, but this is all present and is either in good order or fit for restoration. Overall, this Bel Air is an excellent project candidate, ideal for a first-timer or an enthusiast wishing to be hands-on with their build.
Chevrolet offered Bel Air buyers a decent selection of engines to power their new purchase in 1963, ranging from very mild to pretty wild. This car’s first owner walked the middle ground, selecting a 283ci V8 producing 195hp and 285 ft/lbs of torque. They may not have opted for power assistance for the steering or brakes, but the two-speed Powerglide should still provide a relaxed driving experience. The lack of rust was the first slice of positive news for potential buyers, with the situation below the surface continuing that trend. The owner fitted a range of new mechanical components, eliminating any known issues or shortcomings. This old Chevy runs and drives well, and returning it to active service as a “chic and shabby” survivor may prove an irresistible short-term goal for some potential buyers.
The Bel Air’s interior looks tired and care-worn, and a retrim will probably be on the buyer’s agenda to return it to its former glory. However, we must look closely to reveal its key positive attributes. The dash and pad look remarkably good, with no evidence of cracks or UV damage. I believe it would look excellent following a deep clean. Nobody has modified it, with the factory AM radio occupying its rightful place. Everything required to achieve a factory-fresh state is readily available, or the buyer could push out the boat with different materials as part of a custom approach.
This 1963 Chevrolet Bel Air is a solid project candidate, offering potential buyers a wide range of choices. It is a prime candidate for a faithful restoration, and once complete, it would be a practical vehicle that is ideal for enthusiasts with a young family. Its existing drivetrain will provide respectable performance, but since Chevrolet slotted the 409ci V8 under the hood of these cars, the winning bidder could easily bolt in a larger and more potent powerplant using off-the-shelf components. It is all a matter of personal preference, which is what makes these blank canvas candidates so tempting. If those options have started your creative juices flowing, the next step would be to submit a bid so this classic finds its way into your workshop.
Not a bad ride overall. Going to take some effort and dough to address the basics like glass and lighting. That crack free dash is likely painted steel. We had these cars. Getting a face full of the dash was almost worse than the windshield.
You are absolutely correct – on the Biscaynes and Belairs, the dash was painted steel. On the Impalas, one could option a dash pad ( probably also on the lower end models, but I personally never saw that).
My first car, that my dad insisted that I buy on the grounds that it would keep me from going all “wild hot rodder”. Bwhaa Ha Ha.
Not real clear on the memory of how, but within six months, the body shell ended up in our “trash dump” ravine in the pasture behind the house. The various mechanical bits ended up in a number of projects.
Luck to the dude, but 2 many doors to bring the moo-la.
But you see more and more of them hotted up these days, like the Malibu featured in HRM online this month.
Definitely just the standard painted metal dash with no dash pad. Obvious from the pictures.
I cringe whenever one of the writers suggests a vintage car for carting around an enthusiast’s young family. It has no safety systems beyond lap belts, a metal dash, no child locks, manual single-circuit drum brakes, slow steering, and no crumple zones. So, it’s bad at accident avoidance and protecting its occupants. Some of this can be addressed with updates, but an ’80s or ’90s vehicle would be a much better choice for someone who wants to share his/her hobby with family. Nobody likes to hear it, but these days, people walk away from crashes that would have been deadly in the 1960s.
My drunken half brother crashed a convertible one of these, tore off half the front end and walked away without injury. A school mate and his girl friend took out three telephone poles knocking the engine out through the bottom of the 64 Elcamino flipped up on one side and then the other as it slid down the pavement on Machias road out of Snohomish Washington and he walked away. She had a broken leg or arm I think. Old cars can hold up pretty well.
I tend to agree with you cause I going 115 mph when I crashed through a telephone pole and then flipped over on an embankment approximately 100 yards from pole without seatbelt and I climbed out with a minor scratch on forehead. It was a 1970’ Olds 88.
Devine intervention? 🤷♂️
Tooooo the scrapper!
Need to have more pictures of the underside if the car if you want serious bids. Also pictures of the 4 door trim panels. If they are in good shape and the car is sound underneath it could be a good project
Two, to many doors.